LATEST ACQUISITION



The only word to describe this book is AWESOME! Finally, I now own a copy. The first design to knit will be Midwest Moonlight. And very slowly followed by about 5 or 6 more..

From the WOOL BAA shop in Albert Park, Melbourne. A few weeks ago, I purchased some yarn on-line from them, this time I went there in person. It's small but good quality, worth a visit if you are nearby.

BTW - that's my lunch in the top right hand corner. Prawn & noodle salad rice paper rolls with a spicy dipping sauce...Mmmmm Yum...

PRIDE & JOY



It never crossed my mind that something like this would be done in approximately 3 weeks, and in between working on other projects too. Giving myself a pat on the back for this number because I'm a smidge chuffed that it is FINISHED.



A close up view. All that remains now is a little wash etc. and it will be ready to use.


It's a quiet day in Melbourne today, that is for those select few that are at the cube farm. The race that stops the nation is on this afternoon..the good old MELBOURNE CUP..fingers crossed that my horses from the office sweep will do well.
The skies here have just started to drizzle, which is a good thing because the drought is so severe. Pray for a few days of good downfall which is so desperately needed. Melbourne may only be on stage 2 water restrictions, but in the Wimmera Mallee region, they have been on stage 4 for quite some time. They can't even wash their cars from a bucket of water.

On the lighter side of things....think of all those young Fillies & Colts out at the track today, all dressed in their finest without umbrellas...Now that's worth a giggle. lol. :-)

Another W. I. P.




Which means to me YAAAY, the Snowflake Ghan is finished, but um - er - ahem - guess who forgot to photograph it..Moi... This is the first thing that will be done on entering the home this evening. Stay tuned for a squizz because it's AWESOME...am soo happy with the result :-)

This newbie, which has only just been started, will also be Ghan size. The yarn in this project is TLC Cara Mia, just love working with that yarn. It might take some time to complete as I am doing the whole thing in single crochet....oooooh boy.

He's a WEIRD looking fellow, this POOPY DUCK.



This is NOT what I would call a success. Hopefully the next one will be a little more symmetrical. Possibly the beak done a different way and a little smaller. WOW, that is one decent sized snout!!!.

The Snowflake afghan in previous post..had 14 motifs sewn together....Now it has 33 - Yaay that means it's a bit over the half way mark, and the next picture of it will be of the completed project.

F. O. --- Something finished.



A few weeks ago My Grandaughter & I went shopping in the city. What better way to start spending the good earned dollar than at a yarn store. She picked out the yarn herself, and the colour too. It will match the auburn hair perfectly. the last row of this crocheted scarf had 1360 stitches.


U. F. O. --- W. I. P.




This will be my coloured version of Snowflake Afghan. The only thing uniform is the white border. The medallions are very enjoyable to do, at this stage..but....maybe....will have to re-think that after a couple dozen more are made.
After having a look in the Works-In-Progress basket, must to promise myself not to start any more new projects, until a few more are completed.... There's a lot in there..

A LITTLE STASH ENHANCEMENT




TRENDSETTER YARN, this is quite soft. With the amount on 6 skeins, I should be able to make a couple of shawls. Maybe, I'm being a bit ambitious on this one, Just got to find the right pattern. & now that my circular needles are in action and the cord is no longer doing it's own thing, this yarn is high on my list of to make something with projects. NOT JUST LOOK AT IT.




Mmmm, this ROWAN LINEN PRINT is just gorgeous. Don't know exactly what it will be as it was bought for a Christmas present. But I can look at it for a bit before it gets bundled out to a new home...boo hoo

Both of these yummy yarns are from the knitting garden.


TLC Cara Mia



Last but not least, this Cara Mia yarn purchased from Spotlight for a mere $3au per skein, would have to be one of the softest yarns out there. It's made up of 50% acrylic, 19% nylon, 18% rayon and 13% angora. It comes in quite a good range of colours too. There's going to be a nice handbag coming out of this one.

How many of these did I buy??? Not telling anyone, but let's just say that the shop did very well from my now empty purse.. hee hee, and loving it!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Mmmmmm it's SPRING!!!



One has been waiting a few months now to wear white shoes to work. Just thought to share that with you. At 1400 on 11th Oct it was 27.9 celsius, and in Horsham (where my mum lives) it was 29.7 celsius..

This makes a person happy :-)

H E L P....please

Does anyone know how to straighten the cord on circular needles?? The set I have is that plastic thingamy stuff and they're useless because every time I try to use them....YEP....they curl up. Frustrating, annoying, it's doing my head in.
Thankyou.

SATURDAY SUNSET AT ST. KILDA....30TH September




On Saturday the family & I went to listen to a band in St. Kilda before having a
pizza for dinner... A small Birthday celebration ....
Son nbr 1..took this sunset photo with his phone.. Rather awesome I thought.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY NUMBER 1 SON..


Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew.


Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew. Andrew.


Born September 28th 1976. And it only seems like yesterday that a 22yr old gave birth to her first child. Ow, did I say that?

Andrew, I truly wish you a fabulous day. You will never be anything else but my nbr 1 boy.

25th September in MELBOURNE.

The Royal Melbourne Show 2006, is in full swing.


Some MAORI culture. The performance from these ladies was just superb.





Standing, listening to them, it was such a pleasure to hear their voices.




I had a day off yesterday to attend. This tent was just huge, massive. It had so many displays & stands in it, and still had plenty of space. There were quite a few wine displays with free sampling....Mmmm, yes, most of the wines I tasted were ??? nice and mellowing..





This is my happy photo...My entry this year got me a third prize. Very happy about that...One of these days I'll get that ELUSIVE BLUE RIBBON..




The day turned out to be excellent weather wise..no rain. and the crowd, yes, there was a very large crowd. By the time I got home, couldn't wait to sit down... with a lavendar foot soak, aaaaaaaaaah, that's what it's all about.

My PRINCESS



....my Grandaughter, Amber. She is truly an amazing little girl. She will be 10 in January 07.
The hair is to die for...Appearances can be deceiving, her hair seems to be about halfway down her back....ha ha ha....that is because it is so curly, almost like ringlets...but combed down (or stretched a bit), she can almost sit on it...and that hair colour....GRRRRR....I have to resort to the bottle every few weeks to try & get mine looking a similar shade to that. Like I say, she is my PRINCESS.


and a TURTLE IN A JADE TREE.....



This is a very athletic little fellow. Standing, he is about 5.5cm. He thinks he is very clever because he can climb trees.

9:11

The world will never forget. May they be at peace.

SWEET GUARDS



These two little fellas are my sweet guards. Made from acrylic yarn, 2 strands of sportweight. The big eyed one is going to a new home later today and his new owner who is 1 should have lots of fun.

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

DURING MY LUNCHBREAK................



....sitting outside for a while...enjoying some sunshine....and watching the bees attack the lavender....all too soon it was time to return to the 'cube farm"......Oh well.!.

BEAR & BUNNY




Two more little friends. They're waiting for the weather to warm up just a smidge more before entering the wide world. In the mean time they're quite happy with each others company at home.

BODY GUARDS



These two little "pets" were my escorts & body guards this morning as I travelled to work.. fearing I would not get there, go around the block and end up at home again, they made sure that I didn't..believe me, the thought was there..They may be small but are quite ferocious.(hee hee)..



And in a couple of days they will be joined by two more...beasts..What fun!!!

NICE DAY FOR IT.....




First day of SPRING....perfect for a day at the beach.. Mr. Grandson is out there somewhere walking the sands with his mum.. and where am I??? stuck in a place that cannot be escaped from for another 4 hours...

And a PINCH & A PUNCH............

SPRING IS SPRINGING



On the way to the shops last night to get some milk, seeing blossoms means coming to the end of the CCCOOOLLLDDD weather.



Most of the street just around the corner from where I live (Prahran) is like this. It made for a nice little walk.

A LITTLE STASH ENHANCEMENT



Truly couldn't help myself...from ozeyarns...
Most of this will be used to make little wee toys for the bubbies.. My s.i.l. & I are planning to have a craft stall in sometime in November...just in time for when peeples are doing Christmas shopping. Need more money for more yarn, says me who is SABLE for more than a life term. I think I may be a yarnaholic.

FIRST EVER BOOK ON AMIGURUMI


Would you believe it? How many times has a person tried in shops etc, to get something like this?? I have lost count..and certainly was not prepared to pay with *gold bullion* for similar from e/bay..Then, a catalogue arrived from CROCHET AUSTRALIA
Oh, how I looooove shopping on the internet.. Yes they had this in their catalogue, couldn't order it quick enough, plus a couple of other items too.
The Roly Poly toys will be fun to do.



Also purchased were two pairs of knitting PINS, yes I say PINS. One set is 1.25mm and the other is 1.5mm...too thin to photograph..LOL.

Anyone thinking of dealing with CROCHET AUSTRALIA, I give a positive recommendation. They are safe & fast.
p.s. I have just put in another order.

THE START OF SOMETHING




These little things are fiddly to make. They will be used as embellishments on little girl bags that I have been making. Oh so many WIP's, but they are slowly being worked through. I should make myself a resolution, not to start anything new until all wip's are finished... yeah - right - in my dreams..

HELP TO KNIT A RIVER, AND GIVE ALL AN OPPORTUNITY TO DRINK




This is just the start of some squares that have been made for the WATER AID CAMPAIGN

The deadline for the squares is early 2007. Hey that's plenty of time to knit a square or two. C'mon give it a go! Thankyou.

Have a great weekend.

MEET MR. BLUE JELLYBEAN




Mr. Blue Jellybean takes a bit under 50gr of Zhivago (PATONS) yarn to make. This yarn is very soft and is ideal for toys like these and babies love them, so do some big babies. I have lost count of how many of these I've made over the past 10 years. It's from a book by Jean Greenhowe.

A WALK ALONG THE BEACH




Yesterday it started out as drizzly in Melbourne....Not for very long thank goodness.
It was just perfect for a picnic at Black Rock beach. The grandson had a great time on the toys - swings, slides etc, and he didn't forget to eat either, as kids tend to do when there is something better on offer.

Then it was time for a stroll. It was just magic walking along looking out over the water, talking & laughing. Oh, I think we had an early touch of spring.

HE GOT IT!



Oops, nearly forgot...while away, this was another of my completed thingamys. Little Zac was very happy to receive it in the mail.

GOOD TO BE BACK

The last 12 days have gone by sooo fast. I have just returned from spending a few days with my dear Mum. She is doing ok for someone who is 80. Yes, she has a few health issues (who doesn't), the main one being her severe anaemia. Every 8weeks or so she has to get 2 units of the *Red Stuff*. This gives her that little bit extra up and go. This time I was able to be there with her, and that to me was worth the 4 hour drive. We also get on very well and do enjoy each others company. I LOVE MY MUM!
While I was away, I was able to complete a couple of my craft projects. One knitted and the other was crochet. Photos will be up in a couple of days.
It is good to be back....even to the *cube farm*..

Special FLEURS



The beautiful flowers just arrived for yours truly..from 2 special people in my life.. Thankyou Kay & Ron.

Thankyou also to so many out there, you know who you are, who also made my day SPECIAL.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.17th juleeeeeeee..(lol)





Actually, it is THAT TIME OF THE YEAR!!! Again.... I remember only just last year I had one of those...Last year - YIKES, it seems like last month...crazy bananas how the years are flying by......New theme song - The old grey mare she ain't what she used to be, aint what she used to be...

Happy Birthday to all Cancerians.

In the making............is....well, sort of ..going to be a wonky superman..



Should end up in Mr. Grandsons hands about next week. He just needs some 'hair' and a cape. Hopefully a nice little surprise in the mail for him.

JOY - HAPPINESS - EXCITEMENT - ELATION......






And all over a package of yarn that arrived on Tuesday from Elann.
The service I received from them was excellent. Fast and hassle free. I will certainly buy from them again and recommend them to anyone.

There are 12 balls of the 'Grape" colour...it's cotton. Something for the summer is imminent for this lot. I'll really have to put some thought into it as this yarn is awesome :-)



This 'Blue'Pharao...is also cotton, quite fine. I have 5 balls of it and as yet have not decided what to make from it. So for the time being it will be part of the stash, but not for long.





It's Wednesday here in Melbourne, looks nice outside.....BUT.....looks are deceiving.
It is CCOOLLDD outsisde.
Time to see what can be created today. (er, time to get back to work I mean) :-)

TUNING IN



That's my man...(Mr.Grandson)...in his pj's. Maybe I should call him Pyjama Man..
Another 6 weeks and he'll be 4.


OK - READY TO PERFORM NOW



What can I say...........he's...A STAR IN THE MAKING!!!!!!!!!!!

Hand Warmers





The grey ones were made last week and the red ones just this past weekend. Easy to make and took so little yarn.

My Mittens




These very warm mittens arrived today. An absolute Gem by the name of Suse was commissioned to make them....and did an awesome job. I couldn't be happier and I know these are going to keep the hands warm on very cold mornings going to work.
Have a look at some of the fabulous work on Pea Soup

Thanks again Suse, I love them.

From "The Peak"




My youngest son, Chris (a.k.a. Bubby)is on his first overseas trip. In Honk Kong at the moment, then off to Phillipines for a few days. He's stoked, the lucky duck. I once went to Hong Kong, stayed at the Excellsior Hotel, oh so many years ago. And can only imagine the changes that have taken place since then. (btw - 1987) Hopefully ONE DAY, another trip will happen, but if it doesn't, I've still got my memories.

Have a Happy Thursday everyone.

Not so long ago I purchased a 'Knitting Loom'.. This has fast become one of my favourite novelties. One can play with yarn and come up with an item that can be worn, be it on the head, but still worn. They came in a pack of 4 different sizes and were only $10 (aus) from Spotlight (on special of course).




This little beanie ....is called Bobble Beauty. Very quick to make. Not my own pattern, it's by Dot Matthews from 'Crochet by the hook'. Dot has quite a few patterns available to use and I highly recommend having a look at her site. It's awesome. Thankyou Dot.

Relaxing on the weekend


My friend "YODA" always enjoys relaxing, and he makes for an extremely good bed warmer.



Another "Friend", his name is "CHOKKY". He likes his 'ear' scratches




While on a day off from work yesterday, I decided to have a wander in the city and do a spot of retail therapy. Came across a kindly old gentleman who was feeding the pidgeons. As you can see there were quite a few enjoying their seed.